Help Offered to Restore Damaged TimberlandsAdditional Resources Available for Landowners in Western Counties

FRANKFORT, Ky. – (July 12, 2010) – Forest landowners suffered extensive damage from the 2009 ice storm and many are still left wondering what to do to restore damaged forests. In an effort to provide additional assistance to these landowners, the Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF)—through a federal grant from the U.S. Forest Service—has partnered with the Kentucky Division of Conservation and local conservation districts. The partnership has enabled conservation districts to hire contractors to supplement assistance available from the Division of Forestry. These contractors are available to help private forest landowners throughout central and western Kentucky. They work closely with division foresters and, like division foresters, are available to provide assistance to forest landowners at no cost. Private forest landowners seeking advice on managing their woodlands are asked to contact the Division of Forestry office that serves their area. Either the division or the contractors will come out, develop management plans, and work with landowners to help them achieve their objectives. If cost-share money is available, they can help landowners understand the requirements and completion of the practice after the landowner receives approval. For more information or to request forestry assistance, please contact your local KDF office or visit www.forestry.ky.gov.